Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Accounting

Name: Michelle Daly
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Accounting
Position Gained: Analyst
Organisation: Deloitte
Commencement Date: Jan 2007

Could you give us a description of what your position will involve?

As far as I know, I will be assisting in conducting internal and external audits of businesses. This will include spending time at the clients' offices checking invoices, verifying that stock exists and interviewing employees about their daily activities.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

Work to achieve above-average to excellent grades, as that will get you in the door, but also make sure you concentrate on improving group work skills, such as co-operation, problem-solving and assertiveness. Get involved in something that gives practical experience in these areas, such as part-time work or a volunteer group. Mostly, I used my experiences in the hospitality industry when asked to give examples of past situations.

As for career preparation, start thinking about where you want to work whilst you're in first year, because you will be finish your degree before you know it!

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I registered on the GRADJOBS emailing list, which sent me job advertisements about graduate positions in the business sector. It was helpful to read these in first year as a way of knowing what was out there for when I had finished and what the employers were looking for in an employee. This year, I applied with specific big 4 accounting firms during their recruitment processes. If I hadn't been successful, I would have looked to mid-tier firms and other companies later in the year.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

What interview questions were you asked?

I submitted my application after working on it for a week to make sure I had written it concisely and informatively. It's extremely important to ensure there are no spelling errors as the application won't get anywhere otherwise. I was then asked to attend a group activity that consisted of groups of 5-6 working together to solve a problem. There was an opportunity after this to mingle with employees and partners of the firm that was helpful in getting a feel for how you would fit in around the workplace. After this, I was invited to an interview where I was asked to talk about my life so far and how I saw myself contributing to the firm. A major component of the interview was providing examples of situations in the past where I had displayed skills in problem-solving, negotiation and diplomacy amongst other things. As part of an interview, I think it's highly important to create a good first impression and to appear as relaxed and confident as possible.

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

Experience in dealing with people, such as in customer service and being clear on how that related to the job I was applying for. Also, having a definite opinion on where I wanted to work within the firm and how it related to my future career was a definite advantage.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

Don't underestimate the power of first impressions. Prepare what you're going to say, research the organisation you're applying to and be confident. Just try to relax and let your winning personality shine through!